Tackling Poverty Together Strategy 2026-2036
Implementing the strategy
This strategy is only as powerful as its implementation. Translating our shared vision into real, measurable change requires clear governance, robust accountability, active partnership and a relentless commitment to keeping the voices of residents at the centre. This chapter sets out how we will move from strategy to action — and how we will ensure that progress is transparent, sustained and responsive to evolving needs.
Annual action plan
Accompanying the Tackling Poverty Together Strategy is a detailed annual action plan, collaboratively developed with residents and partners, which we will continue to refine as delivery begins. The action plan includes priority actions linked to the strategy's key themes, detailing timelines, responsible parties, and monitoring and evaluation indicators. It also sets out links with other strategies, local and regional plans and related programmes, ensuring alignment and coherence across initiatives.
The success of this action plan depends on a coordinated, system-wide effort and the active participation of all stakeholders. It is essential that all partners consider this strategy and action plan when planning any future work.
Governance
A Tackling Poverty Together Sub-Committee of the Gateshead Health and Wellbeing Board will be established to lead the implementation of the strategy and accompanying action plan. The sub-committee will involve existing Health and Wellbeing Board members alongside members of the Strategy Development Steering Group.
It will monitor and measure the strategy's impact while acting as a critical friend, providing valuable insights and constructive feedback to enhance its effectiveness. This governance structure ensures that accountability is shared, transparent and connected to the broader health and wellbeing agenda for the borough.
Ongoing engagement with residents and partners
The Tackling Poverty Together Partnership intends to continue to place the insights and experiences of local people and partners as central to our approach as we build out and deliver our action plans. We want residents to tell us what is working well and what is not, to be empowered to influence decision-making, and to have genuine opportunities to develop solutions based on their own experiences. We will work closely with our VCFSE partners to engage, support and empower people with lived experience to have their voices heard — especially those from seldom-heard groups and those experiencing the highest levels of poverty.
The Tackling Poverty Together Partnership will meet regularly to continue to develop and deepen working relationships between organisations, share learning and good practice, and work collaboratively to develop the new initiatives set out in the action plans. No one organisation holds all the answers; it is through sustained, honest and open collaboration that we will make the greatest difference.
